Court strikes out My pikin maker’s name

A Federal High Court, Lagos, yesterday struck out the name of the deceased Managing Director of Barewa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kola Gbadegesin Okunlola, charged with production and distribution of adulterated drugs.

The decision by Justice Okechukwu Okeke was informed by an application from the deceased’s lawyer.

The deceased, his company and two of its workers, Adeyemo Abiodun and Egbele Austin Eromosele, were being tried for allegedly manufacturing and distributing an adulterated drug: ‘My Pikin’ teething mixture.

Yesterday, prosecution lawyer Aminu Halilu told the court about the “sworn declaration of the demise of the first accused (Okunlola),” deposed to by Judith Egbeadumah with a death certificate from St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos.

He prayed the court to strike out the deceased’s name from the charge.

“We are convinced and satisfied that the first accused is dead.

“In view of this, we cannot continue with the case today. We urge the court to strike out his name from the charge,” he said.

The court granted his request.

When asked by the court who replaces the deceased as representative of the company, Halihu sought an adjournment to enable him work with the defence.

He also asked for an adjournment to enable him amend the charge to reflect the present development.

Defence lawyer Folabi Kuti did not object, but urged the court to set a trial date.

He blamed the prosecution’s tardiness for the delay in the case, which began about three years ago.

Kuti said the other accused wanted prompt conclusion of the case.

Justice Okeke granted the prayer for adjournment and fixed further hearing for December 3.